Colden Kimber, a 28-year-old cyclist and student at San Francisco State University, was tragically killed on July 26 while attempting to protect a family from a threatening individual at a Muni stop in San Francisco. Kimber, a New York native, was waiting at the transit hub with his girlfriend when he noticed a man, later identified as 29-year-old Sean Collins, aggressively confronting a mother and her two children.
According to court documents, Collins was hurling threats at the family, causing Kimber to step in. As he positioned himself between the family and Collins, Kimber was stabbed in the neck with a six-inch blade. The attack was sudden and unprovoked, leaving Kimber critically injured as he waited for an approaching train.
Following the attack, Kimber was rushed to San Francisco General Hospital. Despite undergoing surgery, he succumbed to his injuries. A GoFundMe page set up by his mother, Lara Litchfield-Kimber, has since raised over $91,000 in his memory.
Litchfield-Kimber expressed her grief and confusion over the senseless act of violence that took her son’s life. She fondly remembered Kimber as a protective figure, often referred to as a “country moose” by those who knew him.
Collins was apprehended shortly after the incident, found just blocks away from the scene. He was arrested and charged with murder. Surveillance footage from the area captured the horrific event, providing crucial evidence for the case.
Kimber was studying kinesiology and worked at American Cyclery, where he had spent three years repairing and building bikes. His employer, Bradley Woehl, spoke highly of Kimber, praising his positive influence and irreplaceable nature.
Kimber’s passion for cycling began when he replaced his mother in the New York Triathlon as she battled breast cancer. His frequent cycling led to local residents often reporting “Colden sightings,” as he was always on his bike.
A memorial bike ride has been scheduled for September 7 in honor of Kimber. Meanwhile, Collins is set to appear in court for his arraignment on August 14.